Visit Doctors
Visit
Visit
Call Doctors
Call
Call
Ask Doctors
Ask
Ask
Feed
Home
18 years
For the past 4 years, in stressful situations or when I go out doors my hands freeze as if the nerves in them are corrupted for a while.what is the cause?
Aug 2, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
This is known as Raynaud's phenomenon, during which the blood vessels that supply the fingers and toes go into a spasm upon cold exposure or in stressful conditions. It's more common in females and can be associated with rheumatologic disease. Usually 3 phases occur: intial white color (vasoconstriction: vessel contracts and narrows with subsequent decrease in blood flow), followed by blue (cyanosis), and then red (rapid blood reflow). The affected body parts are usually those most susceptible to cold injury. A clear line of demarcation exists between the affected area and the rest of the skin.
These effects are reversible and are most commonly seen in the fingers, and less ccommonly in the toes, nose, and ears.
The mainstay of management is avoidance of cold weather and stress. Fish rich in omega 3 have shown some benefit.
 •